On 30 July 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), in collaboration with Right Here Right Now, organized a Training on Digital Accessibility at Alfa House, Baneshwor. The session was facilitated by Mr. Sagar Prasai, Director of Diverse Patterns, with participation from officials representing various divisions under the Ministry of Health and Population and Department of Health Services.

The training introduced participants to the principles of digital accessibility (POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) and demonstrated how persons with disabilities navigate digital environments using assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation. Through a mix of presentations, live demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants explored ways to make websites, documents, and social media content more accessible.

The event emphasized the importance of inclusive digital platforms in public communication and service delivery, encouraging government stakeholders to integrate accessibility into Nepal’s digital transformation strategies. Participants left with enhanced knowledge, strengthened technical skills, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive and usable for all.

On 14 August 2025, YUWA and Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), with support from Right Here Right Now, organized a Policy Discourse on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Hotel Royal Singi, Kathmandu. Nearly 70 stakeholders participated, including government representatives, academia, teacher networks, youth-led organizations, and civil society.

The discourse provided a collaborative platform to reflect on the status of CSE in Nepal, identify institutional and implementation gaps, and explore strategies for inclusive, age-appropriate, and sustainable CSE delivery.

Key highlights included a thematic presentation by Prof. Bhagwan Aryal of Tribhuvan University on the history and future of CSE in Nepal, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from CDC, CEHRD, UNFPA, TU, and the Nursing and Social Security Division. Discussions emphasized:

• The gap between progressive policies and weak implementation.
• The urgent need for teacher training and pedagogy reform.
• Ensuring disability inclusion, mental health, and gender sensitivity within CSE.
• Strengthening coordination across federal, provincial, and local levels.

Participants collectively recommended mainstreaming CSE across the curriculum, integrating it into pre-service and in-service teacher training, and fostering whole-school and community approaches to overcome stigma and cultural barriers.

The event concluded with a strong call for government ownership, inclusive approaches, and stronger collaboration among ministries, teacher networks, youth groups, CSOs, and development partners. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalizing CSE so that all young people in Nepal—especially those from marginalized groups—can access evidence-based, rights-affirming, and inclusive sexuality education.

On 15 August 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) and YUWA organized a Sustainability Meeting on Youth and SRHR Movement at Square Hotel, Pulchowk. The event brought together government representatives, CSOs, OPDs, youth networks, UN agencies, and development partners to reflect on the achievements of the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) platform and discuss ways to sustain its impact.

The program featured presentations from YUWA and BYAN, showcasing their work on youth empowerment, inclusive SRHR education, policy advocacy, and the development of disability-friendly resources. A panel discussion with youth leaders and experts highlighted personal journeys, lessons learned, and strategies to move beyond project-based efforts toward a sustainable, movement-oriented approach.

Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource optimization, inclusivity, and government accountability to ensure the progress of youth-led SRHR advocacy continues. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and keep marginalized young people at the center of Nepal’s SRHR agenda.

Welcome to our digital photo story book — a powerful collection of unheard and untold stories of persons with disabilities, captured and narrated by persons with disabilities themselves.

This project showcases authentic voices and perspectives, proving that disability does not limit creativity, vision, or determination.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our mentor, Kishor Sharma, for his unwavering dedication and guidance.

A big thank you to all our passionate participants who turned this vision into reality.

This work was made possible through the generous support of CBM Global Disability Inclusion Nepal and CBM Global Disability Inclusion UK.

Together, we hope these stories spark reflection, empathy, and change.

Visit our resource page to view or download this photo story book.

Bangkok, Thailand | February 19–21, 2025

The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2025, held at Prince Palace Hotel, Bangkok, brought together high-level delegates, ambassadors, and participants from over 30 countries, along with virtual attendees, to discuss and advance sustainable development goals.

During the three-day event, Jaldeep Sapkota and Rijan Thapa represented the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) at a dedicated panel and exhibition booth showcasing our initiative, "Empowering Young People with Disabilities through Accessible IEC Materials." This innovative approach ensures that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is inclusive and accessible for youth with disabilities, addressing critical gaps in information and education.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, civil society leaders, and youth advocates, actively engaged with our representatives, discussing best practices, challenges, and future strategies for making CSE more inclusive. The booth also provided an opportunity to demonstrate accessible IEC materials, emphasizing the importance of universal design in education and advocacy efforts. In addition to the exhibition, BYAN actively contributed to the Call to Action preparation, advocating for inclusive policies and youth-led initiatives at national and regional levels.

This engagement not only strengthened our advocacy efforts but also facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Several organizations and stakeholders expressed interest in collaborating with BYAN to expand and adapt our project in their respective countries and institutions. These connections pave the way for cross-border partnerships, ensuring that inclusive SRHR education reaches more young people with disabilities across the region.

BYAN remains committed to advocating for inclusive SRHR education and accessibility for all. Our participation at APFSD 2025 marks another milestone in our journey toward building an equitable future for youth with disabilities.

Stay connected for more updates on our advocacy and innovation efforts!

The Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) conducted its annual Social Audit on 29th December, facilitated by auditor Mr. Prasidhda Neupane. The event brought together over 45 participants from diverse organizations, including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), UN agencies, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. This platform promoted transparency, accountability, and community engagement, allowing stakeholders to review BYAN's achievements, challenges, and overall performance throughout the year. Key accomplishments and financial updates were presented, followed by discussions and feedback from members, partners, and beneficiaries. This initiative underscores BYAN's commitment to fostering trust, inclusivity, and effective program implementation.